‘The Addams Family’ comes to Rhode Island

Posted
Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:00 pm

Don Fowler

If you saw the musical comedy “The Addams Family” on Broadway, you’ll see a newly revised production when it arrives in Rhode Island on March 20, according to Sara Gettelfinger, who plays the leading role of Morticia.

Sara is part of a team of actors and support staff who started the process of putting the road company together last August.

“Our entire team started from the ground up, rebuilding the show from its foundation,” she said. “It is a very different show, focusing more on Morticia and Gomez, and with a much stronger plot line.”

“Doug is the most wonderful person I have ever worked with on stage,” Sara said. “He is strong, funny, creative, positive and a delight both on stage and off. We have become dear friends.

For the record, Sara has played leading roles opposite such stars as John Lithgow and Antonio Banderas, and recently starred in the Lincoln Center production of John Guarre’s “A Free Man of Color.”

“I love the way my character of Morticia has developed. While she is a very sexy and unique woman, she is very proud of her family and always puts her children first. She is true to herself.”

Sara watched past episodes of “The Addams Family” to get a feel for the character. She laughs about her first role in the theatre.

“I was living in New York City and was offered a role in ‘Company’ in Nyack. While I wasn’t an equity actor at the time, I played opposite some pretty heavy hitters. We would meet on a corner in Manhattan, and I would drive a number of actors for a little extra money.” (Non-equity actors don’t make the usual scale.)

Sara was in Providence two years ago playing the lead in “101 Dalmations.” (She was great!)

“I love Providence, and I love the restaurants,” she said. “We have a company manager who puts together a city sheet listing restaurants, places of interest, and a bit of history about the cities we visit. I remember a great deli near the theatre.”

The Louisville, Ky. native attended a school for the performing arts in Louisville and then went on to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she majored in musical theatre.

“One of my mentors was Stephen Sondheim, one of the most passionate and committed artists I’ve ever worked with,” she said.

After a two-week run in Baltimore, Md., the show will arrive in Providence for performances March 20 through 25. For reservations call 421-ARTS.